HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with acute gastritis caused by drinking contaminated water. The nurse should emphasize the need to report the onset of which problem?
- A. Low-grade fever
- B. Bruising of the skin
- C. Abdominal cramping
- D. Bloody emesis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bloody emesis. Bloody emesis indicates potential bleeding or severe irritation, which should be reported immediately. In the context of acute gastritis, bloody emesis could indicate a more serious complication that requires urgent medical attention. Choices A, B, and C are not typically associated with acute gastritis caused by contaminated water and do not signal as critical of a condition as bloody emesis. Low-grade fever, bruising of the skin, and abdominal cramping are more commonly associated with other conditions or may be less urgent in this context.
2. A young adult who is hit with a baseball bat on the temporal area of the left skull is conscious when admitted to the ED and is transferred to the Neurological Unit to be monitored for signs of closed head injury. Which assessment finding is indicative of a developing epidural hematoma?
- A. Altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after injury
- B. Confusion immediately following the injury
- C. Headache that resolves quickly
- D. Brief loss of consciousness with a lucid interval
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Epidural hematoma often presents with a brief loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval and then a rapid decline in consciousness. Therefore, altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after the injury is indicative of a developing epidural hematoma. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because confusion immediately following the injury, headache that resolves quickly, and brief loss of consciousness with a lucid interval are not specific signs of epidural hematoma.
3. Which family planning method is not advisable for women with extremely irregular menstrual periods?
- A. oral contraceptives
- B. diaphragm
- C. natural family planning
- D. vaginal contraceptives
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Natural family planning relies on tracking menstrual cycles to determine fertile days for avoiding or achieving pregnancy. It may not be suitable for women with extremely irregular menstrual periods as it can be challenging to predict fertile days accurately. Oral contraceptives (A), diaphragms (B), and vaginal contraceptives (D) do not rely on regular menstrual cycles for their effectiveness, making them more suitable options for women with irregular periods.
4. A nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering chemotherapy
- B. Preventing infection
- C. Monitoring for signs of bleeding
- D. Providing nutritional support
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is preventing infection. In caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), preventing infection is the priority nursing intervention. Children with ALL are immunocompromised due to the disease and its treatment, making them more susceptible to infections. Administering chemotherapy, while important, is not the priority as preventing infection takes precedence to avoid complications. Monitoring for signs of bleeding and providing nutritional support are also essential components of care for a child with ALL, but preventing infection is the priority to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
5. Which statement by a mature adult client with advanced prostate cancer best indicates that he has reached a level of acceptance of his prognosis?
- A. I don't have any use for those who say the disease is going to win
- B. I've found the support I need from my faith and family
- C. I think I've had this disease for a long time, but the doctor did not find it
- D. I understand that this is a disease that occurs mostly in older men
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because finding support in faith and family is a common way for individuals to cope with serious illnesses and come to terms with their prognosis. This statement indicates that the client has found a source of strength and comfort to deal with their situation. Choice A reflects defiance rather than acceptance. Choice C suggests denial or disbelief in the diagnosis. Choice D shows factual knowledge about the disease but does not necessarily indicate acceptance of the prognosis.